He has made just six Premier League appearances since his £52m move from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer and was not even among the substitutes for the 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.

Fred has complained about his lack of playing time at Old Trafford

Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard were preferred in a midfield without Paul Pogba, with Mourinho saying he had found his 'mad dogs' in the side.

Fred is adapting to English football "step by step", according to Mourinho, and is paying the price for United's collective weaknesses.

2:59

Highlights from Manchester United's draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.

Highlights from Manchester United's draw against Arsenal in the Premier League.

"When the team is defensively stronger and does not need in midfield people that are more about giving some balance to the team than being involved in creating and attacking dynamics - the day we are stronger defensively, I think the horizons for Fred change completely," said Mourinho.

"You have also other players in other clubs that needed time. You have some of them that play even less than what Fred is playing."

1:12

Mourinho says Manchester United showed a 'mad-dog' mentality against Arsenal - but points are what they need.

Mourinho says Manchester United showed a 'mad-dog' mentality against Arsenal - but points are what they need.